Gennady Golovkin will face Saul Alvarez in an eagerly-awaited rematch this weekend and we’re backing the Kazakhstan fighter to come out on top in our Canelo vs GGG 2 predictions.

Most pundits had Golovkin in front on their scorecards when the first encounter ended in a controversial draw 12 months ago.

Alvarez started brightly that night but seemed to struggle in the middle rounds, before admittedly mounting a late rally.

If Golovkin can find his rhythm earlier this time, we think he is a good bet to make sure of victory at 31/50 from the Canelo vs GGG 2 odds.

The rematch was scheduled for May, but had to be delayed while Alvarez served a six-month suspension for a failed drugs test, allegedly due to contaminated beef from Mexico.

GGG kept busy by crushing Vanes Martirosyan in round two to defend his WBA and WBC middleweight titles for the 20th time, taking his pro record to 38 wins and one draw, with 34 victories coming by knockout.

The 36-year-old showed Canelo too much respect at the start of their last bout but is still regarded as bigger, stronger and technically sound enough to outwork his opponent this time.

“This is a different story and a different situation,” said Golovkin. “I’m ready and I hope to give boxing fans a good fight.”

Trainer Abel Sanchez added: “I think Canelo has to come out to win this time, instead of just trying to survive, and in order to do that, he’s going to have to get closer to Gennady. Once he gets close, he’s going to be on his back.”

GGG backed to wear down Canelo

Sanchez is prepared for repeat tactics from Alvarez, though, stating: “If he’s got his running shoes on again, it’s a matter of trying to cut down the ring and still knock him out.”

Alvarez has pledged to be more aggressive as he hopes to mark Mexican independence day with a 50th career win in front of his huge army of fans at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The 28-year-old suffered his only loss when beaten on points by Floyd Mayweather five years ago and counts British boxers Amir Khan, Liam Smith, Matthew Hatton and Ryan Rhodes among his victims.

Canelo looks more like an Irishman but usually boxes in true Mexican fashion, with an aggressive, all-action style also seeing off the likes of Miguel Cotto and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

However, whether he is a true middleweight is open to debate and there are also stamina doubts judged on the first fight with Golovkin and a year-long absence from the ring.

Let’s add 3/2 for Golovkin to get the job done inside the distance to our Canelo vs GGG 2 betting tips and go with 16/1 for a ninth-round stoppage.

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Tony has been a journalist for more than 25 years, with past positions including Press Association betting editor, Teletext Sport betting editor and Sport Newspapers deputy racing editor. A Manchester United and Salford Red Devils supporter, he spends much of his spare time walking his two pet greyhounds. Meet our other bwin editors

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